Oconto Falls bridge to be rehabbed in 2026

The bridge over the Oconto River in downtown Oconto Falls is scheduled for a makeover during the summer of 2026. City Administrator Peter Wills told the city council March 11 that Oconto County recently briefed the city’s fire, utilities and street departments about the plans. “Next summer, the bridge that connects what we think of as Maple Street to County Road CC is going to be worked on — one lane at a time, so we’ll still be able to utilize it,” Wills said. “The bridge still will be operable during the work; they will be replacing the concrete decking and sounds like also doing some utility work.” From the county’s description, city and school district officials don’t have major issues or concerns about getting vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances or school buses from one side of the river to the other while the work is performed, Wills said. Utilities manager Greg Kuhn said the county did not have updated blueprints for the bridge, and he is working on passing that information along. The project is expected to take four to six weeks, Wills said. On a question from Council President Ashley Bahrke, he confirmed that the county plans to do the work after the city’s annual Memorial Day weekend celebration, which includes a parade over the bridge. wbluhm@newmedia-wi.com